Cool MateNot right vs This is wrong
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Not right
Top 2,000 (common)
This is wrong
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most common: This is wrong
| Not right | This is wrong | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nɒt raɪt//🇺🇸 //nɑt raɪt// | 🇬🇧 //ðɪs ɪz rɒŋ//🇺🇸 //ðɪs ɪz rɔŋ// |
| Meaning | Incorrect or not appropriate. | This is not correct. |
| Example | The answer you provided is not right. | After reviewing your answers, I can confidently say, this is wrong. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| Collocations | not right time, not right decision, not right place, not right answer, not right choice | this is not right, this is unacceptable, this is incorrect |
| Common mistakes | Used as a question without clarification (e.g., 'Is this not right?') instead of a complete thought., Confused with 'not correct' by some learners, while both are similar, nuances exist., Overusing in formal writing; better to use 'incorrect' in those contexts. | Sometimes learner fails to use 'this' correctly, leading to unclear references., Learners may misinterpret it as overly harsh or rude without context. |
| Usage notes | 'Not right' can describe something incorrect, unfair, or inappropriate. It’s suitable for both spoken and written contexts, but avoid using it in highly formal settings. | Use 'this is wrong' to express disagreement or point out a mistake. It's appropriate in everyday conversation but can seem blunt in formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Not right vs This is wrong
What's the difference between Not right and This is wrong?
Not right: Incorrect or not appropriate. This is wrong: This is not correct.
Which is more common: Not right and This is wrong?
This is wrong is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Not right: The answer you provided is not right. This is wrong: After reviewing your answers, I can confidently say, this is wrong.
Can I use Not right and This is wrong interchangeably?
Not always. Not right and This is wrong are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.